Means for separating minerals from ores



Jan 28, 11936. P, R, YEWELL 2,029,090

' MEANS FOR SEPARATING MINERALS FROM ORES Filed Sept. 18, 1955 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Paid zife l;

INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY QB. 28, 1936. P. R. YEWELL 2,029,090

MEANS FOR SEPARATING MINERALS FROM ORES Filed Sept. 18, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY Jam. 28, 3936. P. R YEWELL MEANS FOR SEPARATING MINERALS FROM ORES Filed Sept. 18, 1953 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 A TTORNE YS.

Jan. 28, M36. P. R. YEWELL MEANS FOR SEPARATING MINERALS FROM ORES 1933 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 18

Paul R.Yewel6;

INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY Patented Jan. 28, 1936 UNITED STATES MEANS FOR SEPARATING MINERALS FROM ORES Paul R. Yewell,

Los Angeles, Calif.

Application September 18, 1933, Serial No. 689,982

9 Claims.

This invention contemplates primarily the provision of a method and means for separating minerals of different specific gravity from a mass of ore in the form of a pulp, or otherwise, by the application of centrifugal force, as by means of one or more rotary tables, preferably a series of tables, to which the ore is continuously or intermittently fed. Also the provision of means on the tables so disposed and arranged as to intersect the paths of particles of minerals or ores containing minerals of different specific gravity, including traps with outlets therein at difierent points between the axes and the peripheries of tables, for discharging the minerals of different value.

Additionally I provide means affording communication between certain tables of the series whereby the minerals discharged from one table may be fed to another or other tables for further separating minerals of approximately the same specific gravity, in order that all of the values may be finally separated and classified.

Assuming that ore in a dry state, finely divided, or with water mixed therewith, is discharged on to a rotating table at one or more points near the axis of the table, it is quite apparent that the particles of ore and minerals will be gradually or more or less rapidly moved outwardly in the direction of the periphery of the table, due to the effect of centrifugal force thereon. Each particle, according to its specific gravity will move in a path which describes an evolute curve. The heavier particles will move in the most direct path, the lighter in the most indirect path and other particles of intermediate gravities in paths of gradually increasing indirectness from the heavier to the lighter gravities. The direction of the evolute curves defined by the movement of all the particles is opposite to the direction of rotation of the table.

I propose to trap the particles of difierent specific gravity by an arrangement of straight or curved riffles either at regular or irregular intervals on the upper face of the table. If curved, said rifiles may have a curvature of more or less than the curvature of the heaviest particles of matter deposited on the table, and the riflles will be either radially disposed, as when straight, or curved or inclined away from a radial line so that they will be disposed opposite or corresponding to the direction of rotation of the table. Thus the rifiles will intersect the paths of the particles of difierent specific gravity at points differently spaced from the axis of the table.

Each rlfile will form a trough-like compartment on the table, and may have a wholly flat bottom, a partially fiat and a partially inclined bottom, or a wholly inclined bottom; but in all cases a trap consisting of a bailie or stop and a depressed groove adjacent thereto is provided which follows and parallels the rifile. Said groove has a plurality of outlets formed in the bottom thereof at different points from the axis of the table for receiving and discharging the particles of minerals entrapped, by means of which the separated values may be conducted to other tables for further and more complete and specific classification.

Thus, I am enabled to classify and reclassify, separate and assort the valuable constituents of any ore according to specific gravity. When a series of tables of the character described are arranged vertically on a common axis a substantial economy in floor space is effected over other apparatus for this purpose, but I may arrange one or more tables on a level or inclined surface, on different axes, with the diiferent units overlapping or adjacent, for readily interconnecting certain tables of the different units for the purpose of reclassification.

I prefer to form the riffles with partly inclined surfaces on the bottoms which are adjacent to the traps and with partly fiat or level surfaces, thereby providing resistance to the movement of the particles of mineral, and more particularly the gangue.

The minerals of greater specific gravity Will climb the inclines more slowly than the minerals of less specific gravity and will fall from the in clined portions of the rifiles into the traps nearest the periphery, while the latter Will be discharged into the traps nearest the axis of the table, or at intermediate positions. Obviously the particles of different specific gravity are so moved and influenced by the form of the riflles, due to the radial and rotative forces exerted thereon that the particles will be entrapped at the nearest points, i. e., at the points where their paths of travel intersect the traps. Thus the particles of different gravity may be separated, collected and classified.

In order to carry out the above named and other and more detailed objects of invention, I prefer to construct an apparatus in accordance with the drawings hereto appended, in which Fig. 1 is a plan view partly broken away of a separating and classifying unit including a series of tables mounted on a common axis and supported by a suitable frame.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary plan similar to Fig. 1

; tables, as on line 3-3 of Fig. 1, applicable to of one of the tableashowing amodified form of riflle. V

Fig. 3 is a typical the the cross section of one of different types of riflies.

Fig. 4 is an elevation of the structure shown in 1, partly in section and showing details of one of the tables and the means associated therewith for collecting and distributing the graded minerals and ores from one to other tables of the unit.

Fig. 5 is an external view in elevation of the structure shown in Figs. 1 and 2, comprehensively arranged with a plu ality of tables in series, and a systematic distributing means associated therewith whereby the partly classified minerals are conveyed to other tables for reclassification.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a possible modified form of apparatus embodying a plurality of units arranged on a levei surface in overlapping or adjacent positions.

Fig. 7 is a diagram showing a plurality of units capable of arrangement on a hillside or inclined cludes a suitable fabricated frame F arranged the upper beams 6 thereof.

with vertical members I, l'etc, of suitable cross section, preferably uniformly spaced. apart and uniformly spaced from the axis of a vertical shaft 2 which is journaled in upper and lower bearings 3 and 4, respectively.

Said frame also includes base members, as at 5, and top beams 6 connecting the vertical members i, and such other bracing may be provided as may be necessary. 7

The bearing 3 may be supported as shown on a pair of parallel rails 4, e which extend diametrically across frame F and are attached to Shaft 2 is preferably supported at its lower end on a frictionless ball or roller bearing '7 adjacent the journal bearing 4, and "for the purpose of applying power 'to said shaft a bevel gear 8 is aifixed to the shaft which meshes with and is driven by a bevel pinion 9, as shown in Fig.4; Said pinion 9 is carried on horizontal shaft Ill rotatably sup ported in bearings ii and I2 on a suitable base l3. Between said bearings a driven .pulley M is provided for connection with a motor or transmission means (not shown), as by means of a belt. Thus shaft 2 may be at a fixed or variable speed as conditions may require. a

At suitably spaced points I provide a plurality of tables T, T, etc. on shaft 2, preferably, as shown in Fig. 5 coaxially arranged, and each table is independently connected with shaft 2 and is independently supported at inner and outer points on frame F so that the weight on the shaft will be minimized. The tables are formed with circular floors i5, annular upturned beads or flanges i5 at their outer peripheries, conical and upwardly inclined inner portions H surrounding the shaft 2, and a circular track I 8 is provided on the outer periphery of each table.

Supporting rollers I9, l9, etc., are carried on brackets attached to the frame members i, I, etc. and underlie the tracks for supporting the tables T at their outer peripheries. A central cyiindrical member 2! depends from each of the tables T concentrically with shaft 2 and is secured to the bottom of the floor E5 in each case. Radially disposed braces 22, 22, etc. may connect the lower portion of members 2! with the tracks l8 for providing rigidity to the tables.

pinions, and an internal ring gear 28 connected,

as shown in Fig. i, with member H of table T. Gear 2 8 is secured to the bottom of member 2| and may have a web 29 for enclosing the gears 26,2! and 28 so that the housing 25 may be filled with a suitable grease or lubricant. 7

Thus the tables T may be rotated at different speeds, by reason of the transmission units 24,

varying the ratio between the driving gears 2i and the driven gears- 28, or the tables may be operated at uniform speeds by omitting the pinions 25 and fixing the gears 28 to shaft 2 directly.

The central portions of tables T are provided with circular receptacles 30 of substantially larger diameter than the cones i1 and arranged concentrically with said cones. Receptacles 3i! have a plurality of peripheral apertures 3|, 3!, etc.,

arranged at regularly spaced intervals therearound, forming outlets through which material deposited in th receptacles is discharged radially on to the surface of the table floors l5.

As shown in Fig. 1, each of the tables is subdivided into a plurality of zones of uniform size and character to form rifiles as at 32, 32. As shown and preferably arranged the riflles are of evolute form and extend outwardly from the peripheries of the receptacles S8 to the outer beads or flanges it of the tables, and they are bent or deflected from straight lines in directions opposite to the direction of rotation of the tables.

Eachrifiie 32 has a flat bottom portion 33, an inclined bottom portion 84, a channel forming a trap for the mineral particles, and an upwardly extended rib 36, in the order named. As shown in Fig. l, the tables are rotatable in a counterclockwise direction, while the direction of the riiiles 32 is clockwise. The inclined portions of the riifies begin at points outwardly from the v receptacle 3S and gradually increase in width from their inner to their outer extremities. Apertures at of receptacles 3t afford communication between receptacle 38 and the flat inner portions of the rifies. The inclined portions 3 are adjacent the channels 35, said channels being formed between the portions 33 and the ribs 36, as shown in Fig. 3.

As shown at the right in Fig. 8, the rifiies 32 may be formed with radial or evolute ribs 36 at one of the margins thereof, shorter radial or curved ribs 3?, 3?, etc. forming opposite margins for the zones and short concentric or eccentric ribs 38, 38, etc. and channels 39, 3t, etc. paralleling and adjacent the ribs 38, 33, etc. In the latter event short inclined portions 45, 39, etc. corresponding to the portions 3 4, as shown in Fig. 3, may be provided inwardly of the ribs 38. V

In all events, the inclined portions 34 or 40, and the channels 35 or 39 are so formed and arranged that they will intersect at some points the theoretical paths of particles of mineral of different specific gravity, whereby the different values may be separately entrapped in and discharged from the channels 35, or 39.

In Fig. 8 I have shown a diagram showing the theoretical paths of three minerals of different specific gravity, as at 4|, 42 and 43, when centrifugal force is applied to the tables carrying the minerals. It will be noted, by reference to said diagram, that the curves 4|, 42 and 43 indicate, respectively, the theoretical paths assumed by the heaviest, medium and lightest particles of mineral. The heaviest particles naturally assume a most direct path to the periphery of the table, the medium particles a more indirect path, and the lightest particles the most indirect path. The general tendency of the particles is clockwise when the tables are rotated in a counterclockwise direction.

Obviously, when inert matter is deposited on a rotating table the particles of different weight move to a greater or less extent on rather than with the table. The heaviest particles will move less on and more with the table than the lighter particles. The lighter particles will move more on and less with the table. The rifiies being arranged so that all particles deposited thereon at points substantially spaced from the axis will be aiforded opportunity for initial classification and assortment, the particles of different gravity will engage the lowest margins of the inclines 34 at diiferent points and will be deflected from their natural courses to a certain extent, so that the movement of the particles on, or rather the movement of the table beneath the particles will cause the particles to ascend the inclines until they ultimately reach and fall into the traps 35.

Thus, the inclines serve toresist the movement of the particles and in effect produce a mild sifting of the particles, with the light particles rising to the top and rendering such particles more easily trapped.

I may subdivide each of the channels 35 into a plurality of sections separated by means of transverse partitions or abutments 44, inwardly of each of which I provide an outlet 45 in the floor of the channel, and through which the particles of different specific gravity may be discharged to points below the tables for further treatment. Below the tables T I provide receptacles R, R R R R etc., each with an inclined floor 45 and a plurality of annular compartments as at 41, 49 and 49, for receiving mineral particles of heavy, medium and light weights, respectively, from the tables T. The receptacles R are supported on the intermediate cross beams 23, 23, which support the tables T.

The outlets 45, 45, etc. have depending tubes 59, 59, etc., attached to the floors l5 of the tables and which extend downwardly into the channels, or compartments 41, 48 and 49, for depositing the mineral particles in the respective compartments, according to classification. Said compartments 41, 48 and 49 have outlets 5| at the lowest points in the floor 46 thereof through which the materials fall by gravity for distribution to another or other tables of the series for the purpose of reclassification and more specific separation from approximate to more nearly actual specific gravities.

For the purpose of clarifying the description of my improvements I have designated the diiferent tables T of the series shown in Fig. 5 as units A, B, C and D, respectively, from the uppermost to the lowermost of the tables. It will be observed by reference to Fig. 5 that I have shown the compartments 41, 48 and 49 therein as independent units rather than as a composite unit as illustrated in Fig. 4, in order that the progress of the materials through the different units of the series may be readily traced. Details of structure and mechanism are also omitted from Fig. 5 for the same reason.

In operation, the pulp from a mill or ore in either dry or wet form may be delivered to the receptacle of the unit A through a pipe 52 having a control valve 53 therein, and, or water may be delivered to said receptacle through a pipe 54 having a control valve 55 therein.

The materials fall on to and are deflected outwardly by the cone H in the direction of the annular wall of the receptacle 3!), thence outwardly through the apertures 3| to the rifiles 32, at the inner extremities of which the material is sub- -jected to the action of centrifugal force set up by the rotation of the table T. The heaviest particles move almost directly outwardly in slightly curved paths, the medium particles slightly less directly and the lightest particles most indirectly. In their movement outwardly the particles are deflected from direct courses by the movement of the table thereunder. The riiiies are formed so as to intersect the paths of the particles at points varying in distance from the axis of the table,

i. e. approximately at the positions of the outlets 45 in the floor of the tables.

The particles of mineral are thereby deflected into the channels and fall through the outlets into and thence through and from the depending tubes into the compartments 41, 48 and 49, of receptacle R. Thus, the particles of different weight are classified and separated as to approximate specific gravities, and may be if necessary, further classified and separated more accurately by delivering the initially separated particles to another or other of the units B, C and D.

For instance, pipes 56, 51 and 58 may be connected with outlets 5| of compartments 41, 48 and 49 of unit A and lead, respectively, to the receptacles 30 of units D, C and B. Compartments 41, 48 and 49 of unit B may have their outlet pipes 59, 60 and GI, respectively, connected with pipe 56 from unit A, pipe 51 from unit A and I a pipe 62 to a waste material dump.

Pipes 63, 64 and 55, lead, respectively from compartments 41, 48 and 49 of unit C to a high grade receptacle 66, to pipe 56 of unit A, and to waste pipe 62. The compartments 41, 48 and 49 of unit D connect, respectively, through pipes 61, 68 and 69, with pipe 63 from unit C, a medium grade ore receptacle 61, and a point of low grade collection, or Waste, as at 62.

Thus, the particles of greatest specific gravity are more readily classified and separated and, as shown, may not require but two processes of classification, as in the units A and D, after which the mineral is delivered to a final collection receptacle. The medium particles are subjected to three processes of classification, as in the units A, C and D, after which they are collected in the receptacle 61, and the lighter particles are subjected to two initial treatments and the residue thereof is then discharged as waste, while the residual material from the heavy and medium weight particles is likewise finally discharged from the final unit D.

It will be understood that the hereinabove described steps of operation and treatment of the ore are merely theoretical and may be modified tosuit varying conditions of classification, differences in the quality and kind of ore treated and. other things which are immaterial to the invention. The entire structure of my improved separator is adjustable to varying requirements of use, inasmuch as the tables maybe of any suitable size, the number, form and arrangement of the rifiies may be varied, and the speed of the tables in a series may be uniform or different, in order that the best results maybe obtained.

As shown in. the two forms of riflles illustrated in Fig. '8 and the radial rifiies shown in Fig. 9, the rifiles and traps intersect the paths of the 'mineral particles at substantially the same points in Fig. 6, where space is available a number of 7 sets of tables may be arranged in pairs, or. more,

. in overlapping or adjacent positions, whereby the material may be readily transferred from one to another or other tables of the same or other units, for the purpose of reclassification and complete assortment of minerals by specific gravity.

In Fig. 7 I have shown an arrangement of several units on a hillside in overlapping or adjacent positions for like purposes.

Thus I have provided a comprehensive means and method of classifying and separating. minerals of different specific gravity from ores of composite character, which is economical, durable and efiicient, and is subject 'to modification and alteration, within the scope of the appended claims without departing from the spirit of my invention.

In practicing my improved method I may utilize any of the three types of rifiles shown in the drawings, or other forms suggested for facilitating. the perfect separation of the mineral particles. In some cases I may find it desirable'to provide the tables T with two or more different forms of riffles, as shown in Fig. 8.

The form and arrangement of the riflies will necessarily vary in accordance with the different kinds of ore to be treated and also with any difference in the disposition of the inclines and traps on the surfaces of the tables. Likewise the results may vary. For instance, when the form of riflies and traps shown at the right. side of Fig. 8 is used, the inclines 40 and the traps 39 will intersect the paths of the particles of different specific gravity at different points than in the case of the rifiles 32 at the left side of Fig. '8. In fact the lighter particles will be intercepted at the trap nearest the axis of the table, and the heavier particles at the trap remotest therefrom. This result will be occasioned by the fact that only the lighter particles will climb the incline 49 which is nearest the axis and the heavy and medium weight particles will be deflected to the outer traps. The medium weight particles will be trapped at the intermediate points and the heavier particles deflected from the inclines thereof to the outermost points. The particlesof mineral will of course tend to conform to their 7 normal paths but the arrangement and disposition of the inclines, the traps and the ribs at the margins of the riffles change their courses.

What I claim is: V 1. An apparatus for separating materials'comprising: a rotatable table for receiving the material, and means thereon for intercepting and collecting particles of different specific gravityat different points intermediate the axis and the periphery of the table, as said particles are moved outwardly by centrifugal force; said means including rifiles forming'segments of said table and traps at corresponding margins of said riflies and having outlets therein, for thedisposition of the classified minerals. r r

2. An apparatus for separating minerals from ore comprising: a rotatable table, means for depositing ore at points near the axis of the table, means on said table and intersecting the paths of particles of different specific gravity, as the ore is moved outwardly by centrifugal force for trapping and collecting the classified minerals, said means including riffles having traps at corresponding margins thereof with outlets therein for disposing of the collected minerals.

3. An apparatus for separating'minerals from ore comprising: a rotatable table, means near the axis thereof for receiving and distributing the ore to different portions of the'table, means on the table disposed so as to intersect'the paths of particles of mineral of different specific gravity at different points between the axis and the periphery of the table, and including traps at spaced points on the table and having outlets near said points of intersection for separately disposing of said separated minerals.

4. An apparatus for separating minerals from ore comprising: a rotatable table adapted to receive the ore at a point near its axis, rifiles on said table leading from points near the axis to the periphery of the table and traps at corresponding margins of said riflies with outlets at spaced points between the axis and the periphery of the table at the approximate points of intersection of the paths of particles of different specific gravity with said traps.

5. An apparatus for separating minerals from ore comprising: a rotatable table, rifiles on said table having traps with outlets therein at corre sponding margins of the riffles, whereby ore deposited on said table may be moved in variable paths according to the difference in specific gravity by centrifugal force, and collected in said traps at their points of intersection with the traps.

6. An apparatus for separating minerals from ore as characterized in claim 11, including out lets in said traps positioned approximately at the points of intersection of .the traps with the paths of mineral particles of different specific gravity, for discharging the collected minerals.

'7. An apparatus for separating minerals from ore comprising: a rotatable table for receiving ore, rifiies thereon adapted to receive quantities of ore at points near the'axis of the table, traps at the margins of said rifiles and intersecting the paths of particles of different gravity at different points intermediate the axis and the pe-' riphery of the table, and means near such points of intersection for resisting the movement of the particles and for deflecting the same from their normal paths, for the purpose described.

8. An apparatus for separating minerals from ore comprising: a rotatable table, rifiles thereon having traps at corresponding margins thereof and adapted to intersect the paths of particles of difierent specific gravity at points intermediate the axis and the periphery of the table, for separately collecting the classified minerals, said table having inclined portions leading from the plane of the ore receiving surface of the table to said traps, for the purpose described.

9. An apparatus for separating minerals from ore comprising: a rotatable table, rifiles thereon having traps at corresponding margins thereof and adapted to intersect the paths of particles of difierent specific gravity at points intermediate the axis and the periphery of the table, for separately collecting the classified minerals, said table having means for separating the zones covered by said riffles, for preventing the distribution of ore from one to another of the rifiie zones.

PAUL R. YEWELL. 

